IN OUR
MOTHER'S
ARMS
By Kelly Reed
I have had a devotion to the Blessed Mother since I was a little girl, and over the course of many years, it was Mary who led me to the foot of the cross where I met her Son, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The power of prayer, and especially Mary’s intercession, has always been an integral part of my spirituality. As a reminder of that, I have worn the Miraculous Medal, along with my chain and cross, most of my adult life.
About 18 months ago I became very ill and ended up being admitted to the hospital while the medical staff tried to determine what was wrong with me. I rapidly declined and was transferred to the Cleveland Clinic where doctors were finally able to diagnose me with an acute case of viral encephalitis. During this time, I became less and less responsive and I was unaware of what was going on around me. My husband and children, on the other hand, had to deal with the agony of the unknown and my deteriorating condition.
But then, after a couple of days, I woke up and within another couple of days, my faculties had returned and I was discharged from the hospital. It was pretty amazing; I had completely recovered and was back to my old self.
Later, I researched viral encephalitis (probably not a good thing to do) and learned that I was not only lucky to have survived unscathed, but my complete and rapid recovery was nothing short of a miracle – or as I like to believe, it was a miracle. This virus can be extremely debilitating, even fatal, and the length of time for rehabilitation can take months.
I also learned that so many had been praying for me during this time. In particular, I received two cards for healing where I had been enrolled at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. One of these was from a relative in New York, and another from a friend in California. Truly I was covered in prayer from coast to coast. I am so grateful for the power of prayer and for all those who prayed for me, and especially the intercession of our Blessed Mother. God heard those prayers and healed me.
“Oh Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”
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